Jason Crooks: Tributes flow for Frenchs Forest, Warringah Rd crash victim

Tributes are flowing for a greatly loved and respected northern beaches’ father of three young children who died in an early morning weekend crash.

Jason Crooks, 50, of Frenchs Forest, who died in a road crash on December 3, 2022, pictured with his three children Harlie, Vann and Bowie Picture: Supplied by the family to GoFundMe.

Tributes have been flowing for a popular father of three and northern beaches small businessman who died in an early morning weekend crash.

Jason Crooks, 50, of Frenchs Forest, was killed when his van struck a concrete wall at a major intersection on Saturday.

Police said the vehicle left the road at the corner of Forest Way and Warringah Rd, at Frenchs Forest, at 3.15am before hitting the retaining wall below a shared pedestrian and bike path.

Mr Crooks was trapped in the van and died at the scene while emergency services personnel worked to try and save his life.

He leaves behind three children and his wife Laine Rowley Crooks.

Jason Crooks, 50, of Frenchs Forest, who died in a road crash on early on Saturday, pictured with his wife Laine Rowley Crooks. A fundraising campaign is underway to support their young family. Picture: Facebook

The local small business operator was well known on the northern beaches for his Jace of Shades blinds, awnings and shutters outlet.

Mr Crooks was also a keen surfer at local beaches.

The Rowley family has organised a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to help support Ms Rowley and the children.

In a tribute on the donation site Mr Crooks, who went to Davidson High School, was described as the “kind of friend to always listen”.

“Anyone who met him will know that he was an incredibly devoted father who loved his family,” the Rowley family wrote.

The site of the Saturday morning crash at the intersection of Warringah Rd and Forest Way at Frenchs Forest. File picture: Jim O'Rourke

“In this horribly devastating time, we want to provide Laine and the three kids as much love, support and generosity as possible to navigate through this tragic loss.

“If you can give, no matter how big or small, it will help contribute towards keeping Laine and the kids going while they grieve.”

On the GoFundMe page Stefan van den Berg wrote that “Jason was one those fantastic human beings that really needed to be here to make this world a better place”.

Catherine Porquier described Mr Crooks as “a beautiful soul, always helpful, caring and always talking about his children and Laine”.

On the Jace of Spades Facebook page, friends and clients praised the businessman.

Victoria Monahan wrote that Mr Crooks was a “warm, honest, reliable and humble man”.

“Jason was amazing at his job and a man of his word,” Frances Roel wrote.

Louise Langley wrote: “Couldn’t have met a nicer bloke.”

Police want to hear from any witnesses to the crash. They can contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

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